Written by Paul Vettise
There’s no-one more surprised with the progress Sheezallmine (NZ) (Super Easy {NZ}) has made than trainer Daniel Miller, whose early expectations of the filly were low at best.
But time has been a best friend to the 3-year-old and she goes into Saturday’s G3 Inglis Sale Cambridge Breeders’ S. with a perfect record from three appearances and in prime order for her first black type test.
“I’m really happy with her and her work has been spot on,” said Miller, a former jumps jockey. “It’s a top field, but she’s done nothing wrong and she deserves a crack at it.
“As a 2-year-old I didn’t think much of her at all. She’s a very big filly and was 16.2 hands last season and when she came in for this preparation she was 547 kilos. She’s a big girl and has taken time.”
“As a 2-year-old I didn’t think much of her at all.” – Daniel Miller.
Sheezallmine is raced by Miller’s parents John and Maree, who paid a meagre NZ$1000 for her as a yearling during New Zealand Bloodstock’s Festival Sale where she was offered by Leanach Lodge.
Trainer Daniel Miller
The price was perhaps understandable as black type winners are sparse in the first three generations. Substantial black type can be found however in the form of fourth dam and G2 Surround S. winner Khaptivaan (Adraan {GB}) who produced Group 1 winner Khaptingly (Bletchingly).
That hasn’t held Sheezallmine back and her bargain basement purchase price could have been repaid many times over had her connections so wished.
“There’s been four or five big offers turned down. Mum and Dad aren’t interested in selling.” – Daniel Miller.
“There’s been four or five big offers turned down. Mum and Dad aren’t interested in selling.” – Daniel Miller.
“They are in it for the fun and the memories and it’s great because they don’t put any pressure on me, I can just do my own thing.”
Sheezallmine was a trial winner before she made a winning debut before Christmas and she was again successful the following month.
Miller then gave her a break and she returned earlier this month to beat Qiji Express (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}), who had won the Listed Mufhasa S. in March, at Te Rapa.
Daniel Miller and Sheezallmine
“I was looking at the Mufhasa S., but the filly kicked out in the paddock and cut her leg,” the Matamata horseman said. “She had to have a couple of weeks off and that’s when I marked this race out.”
“She’s only had one run so far this time around so she’s got fresh legs.” – Daniel Miller.
He has no firm plans for Sheezallmine after the weekend, but admitted further success could bring the Queensland winter carnival into play.
“We’ll wait and see what happens, but it’s a thought and I’d have to talk to Mum and Dad,” Miller said.
“She’s only had one run so far this time around so she’s got fresh legs.”
“I’ve got seven in work, some of them are breakers, and I ride work for Te Akau from 4.30am until seven and then do my own after that.” - Daniel Miller.
Miller, 22, began his racing career with Te Akau as a 15-year-old after gaining an exemption to leave school early and had a handful of flat rides as an apprentice before he turned his hand to jumps riding due to increasing weight.
He rode 23 winners before a couple of falls and resulting injuries cooled his enthusiasm and thoughts of a training career were ignited after he had successfully looked after a team at Riccarton for Te Akau.
“I’ve got seven in work, some of them are breakers, and I ride work for Te Akau from 4.30am until seven and then do my own after that,” Miller said.
Sheezallmine
